Experience in the first few years of using MR for evaluation of cardiovascular disease indicates that it can provide information about cardiovascular anatomy, cardiovascular function, myocardial tissue characterization, and myocardial metabolism. Only the first capability is now being used for clinical diagnosis. MR imaging is evolving as a technique for the definitive diagnosis of pericardial disease, paracardiac and intracardiac masses, and thoracic aortic disease. It also shows considerable promise for the evaluation of congenital and ischemic heart disease and cardiomyopathies. The capabilities of MR displayed in animal studies extend beyond anatomic observations. Considerably more research and optimism for early progress are justified in the effort to harness its multiple capabilities for the evaluation of cardiovascular disease.